The scheme is open for anyone in council tax bands E-H who receives housing benefit, Universal Credit or the council tax reduction scheme, and those receiving Universal Credit and housing benefit paying rent and energy bills but not council tax.
The government has allocated £244,500 to East Herts Council for the discretionary scheme and households meeting the criteria will receive payments of up to £150, depending on the volume of applications.
The household must be liable for rent or council tax on 1 April 2022 and occupy the property as their main residence.
Councillor Geoffrey Williamson, Executive Member for Financial Sustainability, said: “We’ve designed this discretionary fund to support those who need it most. If you can complete the form online please do so, as it helps us get payment to everyone much faster.
“So far we have paid out over £4.5m to households in council tax bands A-D and hope this new fund gives those who weren’t eligible under previous schemes vital support as the cost of living continues to rise.”
Applications should be submitted online before midnight on 25 August. For help completing an online application, please contact the council tax team on 01279 655261 and select extension 7220. Please be aware that phone lines are very busy so it may be quicker to seek help from a friend or trusted family member first.
